‘Over the Lege’ Plumbs the Tragicomedy of Texas Politics
In its sixth season, the political satire urges viewers to laugh instead of cry at the state's right-wing machine.
Texas Legislature
We Could Save the Grid by Using Less Electricity
In 1999, Texas was the first state to adopt an energy efficiency standard for utilities, but we've fallen way behind since.
Pot of Gold
Did Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s trusted, troubled strategist shake down Texas hemp growers?
My Abortion Experience Inspired Me to Fight for Underage Youth
In Texas and 37 other states, minors seeking confidential reproductive health care must get a court order. They should be entrusted to make their own medical decisions.
Dan Patrick’s Ban on Tenure Could Devastate Texas’ University System
The lieutenant governor’s proposal would not only do away with academic freedom; it would make attracting the best faculty near impossible.
Can Beto Compete With Abbott’s Campaign Cash Machine?
The latest campaign filings show that the Democratic gubernatorial hopeful can still raise lots of money. But the powerful incumbent with a massive political war chest remains on another level.
Political Retirements Will Paint Texas a Fresh Coat of Red in 2022
The state’s newly redrawn political maps set off an exodus among Democrats and moderate Republicans. If you thought 2021 was brutal, 2022 may be worse.
SIGN UP FOR TEXAS OBSERVER EMAILS
Unchecked and Unbalanced
COVID-19 has provided Governor Greg Abbott the chance to wield more power than anyone in Texas history. He’s not eager to give it back.
Republicans’ Gerrymandered Maps Turn Back Time in Texas
Once again, Republicans draw the lines of power to protect their incumbents and amplify their white, conservative, rural base—and deny millions of Texans of color their due political representation.
Loon Star State: Another Monument Toppled
In the latest Loon Star State, Texas Republicans take down our democracy.